Arm wrestling myself: the long-term wounds and incredible rewards of self-doubt

Finished a painting today. The strokes just 'worked', and it just came together.. but that's not always the case.

When a painting 'works', you take a step back and try to figure out why, so you can apply whatever the 'magic formula' is next time. When it doesn't work, it makes it all the harder to start the next one. --in fact, it becomes tedious work.

You toggle back and forth wondering whether you had too much self confidence at the start and took the process for granted. Then, I like to blame things that really don't have any affect on the end result-- like whatever crap music Ralph's playing. Because, you know, crap music can ruin a painting.

So, following this line of thought, the formula's the answer. John Lennon had the formula. Babe Ruth had the formula. I just need to get the formula.

But that's not it either. IF there was a formula, it would compromise the discovery and growth, and the whole process would become mundane. That's when a creative process becomes a factory product.

It's a juggling act. If it was all struggle, I'd give up and go get an office job. If it was all ease, well, then I'd get bored and go get an office job.

New Innovation (Let the Bad Times Roll)

Not trying to paint rosy (that wasn't a painting pun) the recession and bad economy, and I'm certainly not a 'silver lining' kinda gal. But where did all these cupcake places come from?

Lots of them. And they're all up'ing the bar. GREAT cupcakes. I didn't see a cupcake 'specialty shop' 5 yrs ago.

The 'cupcake phenomena' isn't an isolated incident. It's a larger trend of people getting creative and coming up with great ideas to keep things in forward motion despite our economy standing still.
These are the people causing innovative positive change, not waiting for *things* to change.

Here in Orlando, we have great alternative art spaces thanks to curators who show art, no matter what. Frankie Messina, Michael McGrath, Steve Parker, Tre Harris --they MAKE successful art shows- with or without a gallery. Charity benefits and auctions in empty real estate open houses, craft fairs in parking lots.. so why would someone with a long-standing radio career rely on the radio to continue to do what they do best? They wouldn't.

JB WeBB is the newest innovator we've been fortunate enough to work with. Thanks to creative people like him, we all continue to move forward.

Wine, Art, & Amway series painting auction

The Amway Center's hectic running came to a close with the Grand Opening and festivities.

Several of my pieces from the Amway series are now on display and for sale at Tastings Wine Bar in downtown Orlando, and one painting is being silent auctioned throughout the month of October to benefit the North/Central Florida Alzheimer's Association.

If you haven't been to Tastings, they have an *incredible* selection of great wine, and a beautiful atmosphere, outdoor balcony with a view of Lake Eola, and great appetizer's as well. I couldn't say that without sampling first, of course.

Visit their website: www.orlandotastings.com for Happy Hour details, specials, and a menu preview. Then head out there for a great evening and to bid on an original Amway series painting.

OK: Let's Go!

Delivered the Amway Center abstracts yesterday. (Yay!)

That being behind me, I can shift gears and focus on several up-coming shows: Next in line is this Saturday night --I'll be live painting at Tastings downtown on the corner of Washington and Magnolia-- it'll be visible from the street, and the venue has a nice crowd-- along with some great wines!!

We were there recently and had a great recommendation from the server. --not a "this has been around a while and we can't sell it-- I think you'll like it" recommendation but a *REAL* "based on your preferences, I think you'd enjoy this" recommendation, and he was ace-on. So we found a new place to actually discover new wines without the guess work.



I'll be showing a couple of my new abstracts from the Magic series as well. You should stop by!!

Amway Center's gonna look all purdy.

I just received word yesterday that my work's been selected for the new Amway Arena. All abstracts.

What else is new? I thought you'd never ask!

New show hanging at Dexter's in Thornton Park tomorrow. Next month is my solo show at Ichiban's downtown.

Our show at Taste! in College Park is taking a break for a few days, and will have a makeover with new pieces next week.

Small appearances: Ralph and I have a couple pieces showing at the Fringe Festival this year, and we still have work at Neu America Gallery downtown, Dandelion, Florida Museum of Art, and Pom's.

So yah, I've been sitting around doing nothing.

'cept this:

New pieces on Zatista!

I have another outlet. I gave Zatista.com a try, and have been very pleased with both the sales I've received and the support from the staff. Please add them to your favorites-- they have some great art on there and have a lot of nice tools!

One of my new pieces available on Zatista.com:

Orlando Arts Magazine

In the March-April issue

Virginia Woolf selected for exhibition

I just received word my Virginia Woolf portrait has been selected for the Florida Biennial V exhibit at the Florida Museum of Art. The reception will be April 9 from 5-7pm. Yay!!!

Thanks Mr. Garibaldi!

Artist David Garibaldi purchased one of my paintings from the last City Arts Factory show, then was nice enough to post about it. Click for more...

Kurt.

Ralph and I are in re-stock mode, and motivated as ever. Our pieces at City Arts Factory come down this week, but we just hung new stuff in the side gallery at Taste! in College Park-- I added about 10 new music portraits. We're in talks for a new show (details once I get them), and have a few pieces going up at PomPoms downtown for a February show, including a new co/lab. Also, the gallery in Sanford is hosting a 100 paintings for $100 show we'll both be in that I'm really psyched about.

And we've been painting.

New Lou Reed

New Tom Waits

Show at Taste

Have a show going up Friday, Dec. 11

7:00 pm at Taste restaurant in College Park.

Stop by for some eats & arts.

They have a killer espresso brulee dessert.

Our stuff will be there the rest of the month

but come by Friday.

Gallery on First Holiday Art Show

Every year, I hope to find that perfect, heart-felt gift everyone wants to find under the tree--the Universal Remote. --I'm aiming to own at least 22 of them.

Not on your list? How bout the iphone/wii/knock-off handbag/blah/blah/blah... Somehow online shopping has brought on a unique socio-side effect: The same 9 things in EVERY brick and mortar store.

The fix? Ah! I'm so glad you asked!

Ralph and I will be there for the OPEN HOUSE (read: FREE FOOD AND VINO) next Sunday, Dec 6th. We'll both have new pieces up, including that perfect Universal Remote substitute for someone special. 211 East First Street, Sanford, Florida - 407-323-2774

Tim Burton Study

No news to report.. Dec 1 is a real estate open house showing in Heathrow Country Estates, Dec 11th is our joint show reception at Taste! in College Park.

Until then...

Citizen Cope

Newest add on my playlist (thanks to Frankie at Apartment E for the recommend!)

Check out this: (click...)

Guy Garvey

New stuff... Guy Garvey from Elbow, who I'm sure you're familiar with, because I only told you to check out his stuff like 20 times now. Sheesh. ..Do it already!

Have you seen me? On TV?

Fuel TV's airing the Orlando DewTour stop, along with Ralph's Art. How cool is that?

Jason Shawn Alexander - AMAZING!

I have him in my 'blogs to watch' list, but seeing his paintings on the screen are *nothing* like seeing them in person. Jason Shawn Alexander show in Miami.

In Pursuit Of...

Our latest collaboration piece.

BackBooth Benefit

We had a great time at the Wishes on Wings Art benefit at BackBooth last night-- thanks to Tara for organizing such a great event!

Short video clip: *click here*.

...and a coupla pics.





More info about Wishes on Wings here.

Hap'nins

This week's been kinda busy. If you're in the Orlando area, Ralph and I will be doing a live art benefit tonight at BackBooth (tix available at the door).

Also, Ralph was selected as one of 5 artists participating in the FUEL TV Mtn Dew tour
here in Orlando this weekend. Click for details...

Jimi.

The Fall's Mark E. Smith

...and a youtube clip from his younger days here

and here.

Check out Ralph's write-up in the new issue of InProgress if'n ya get a chance.

a bird in the hand..

*Perfect distractions* : Our Zebra finches had a new clutch hatch. Who can concentrate on work when you have this??

Leaving

Just finished this piece.
I struggled over the caption but I like the dual
meaning of this. On the one hand it could be the
occupants of the house referring to the strange
creature outside. The other meaning is a message to
him as he sets out to live a life beyond his home.

Recent Events

This is a new piece entitled "Event Horizon"
It's a 10"x 10" digital collage mounted onto
a wooden box.

Call it as ya see it.

Wandering online tonight I found a great charcoal portrait artist from Jacksonville. Haven't seen his work before.

Why?

There's a lot of great art out there. A LOT. But sometimes the who-ya-know-not-what-ya-know plays dominance. The public sees sub-par art in the downtown venues, and everyone pays.

Take a minute to look for the good, not necessarily the connected. Here's who I found tonight. an outstanding command of charcoal portraiture with unbelievable emotion.

and the other day. This girl's all over the place with creativity and drive. Always a great read, and on my check-back list.

Who have you seen that needs a shout out?

Don't think. Just do. (re-learning how to run)

when stuff slows down, the thoughts start tugging my time. I can loose an hour deciding what to do next.

Like this morning.

Could cut canvas, could stretch some abstracts. Could work on the online listings. <-- see that? That's another chunk of my life I'll never get back. One of my favorite second-hand scenarios was relayed by one of my college professors-- who's also a runner. A student asked him to train him to run. The professor told him to run every morning for a month, then come back and talk about it.

This photo was actually taken by that professor-- my drawing teacher at UCF. --I'm guessing '94ish?

I need to go paint. Somehow I have confidence the rest will fall into place.

Obsess Much?

"Just who or what is this Elbow you have been going on about"?, you may be asking.
I'm glad you asked. I first heard their music on Pandora, an internet music site that allows you to program to your musical tastes. It's pretty cool and they have exposed me to some great new music. Anyway, I had one Elbow song in rotation on my Rhapsody playlist and then Tracy & I started delving into their whole catalog of music. We became fans, especially Tracy who would play them non-stop all day and paint. The live show recently in Atlanta was the icing on the cake. It was absolutely perfect. A great venue, the last show on their American tour and a very appreciative crowd. Our one sample clip from the show taken with our digital point and shoot didn't quite do them justice so here's a sample of them live at Abbey Road studio. Grounds For Divorce

New stuff.. here's what's up

I just received word 3 of my portraits will be on display for the next 1st Thursdays event at Orlando Museum of Art. Come on by. I'll be there... Kayfe! 'll be there too. Thurs. September 3rd..if'n yer in the area.

Also, I'll be live demo'ing a painting for an art benefit Ralph and I are doing at Back Booth in Orlando September 10th - doors open at 10pm. I'll post more info when I get it..

Back to painting

Vacation's over so it's back to work. Just finished this painting called "The Odd Get Even".

And more

A few more images of old ruins from our Georgia trip.

More Images of Georgia

It's probably too hard to read but there is a handwritten
note on one of the windows that says,
"notice after dark trespassers subject to be shot!!"
Oh, and No Smoking

Elbow Room

A shot from the show at Center Stage in Atlanta with Elbow.
They were absolutely amazing.
It was an inspiring event that I'm so glad we were able to see.
The music was fantastic and the band put on an incredible show.
The rest of our trip we spent meandering the back roads in search of abandoned places .
We found a bunch. Here are some images and more to come.